spyker



J. SPYKER.

sEcImNAL CUSHION TIRE.

APPLICATION HLED NOV- 13, 1914.

Patented Aug. 15, 1916.

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SECTIONAL CUSHION TIRE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 1-3. 1914.

Patented Aug. 15, 1916.

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JACOBUS SPYKER, OF AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS.

SECTIONAL CUSHION-TIRE.

Application filed November 13, 1814.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JncoeUs SPYKER, a subject of the Queen of the Netherlands, and residing at Sarphatistraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in and Relating to Sectional Cushion-Tires, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the rolling surface of wheels, and more especially resilient wheels.

In connection with solid motor tires it is known that the rolling surface of rubber cannot stand more than a certain speed and that the load must be limited if a resilient effect is to be obtained, or otherwise the effect will be the same as that of a hard rigid body. Hitherto the point at which the force is applied, and the point at which said force is resisted are directly opposite or in a line with one another, that is to say, the rubber is compressed between a road surface and the rim of the wheel, but in such cases heating and expansion were never prevented without pulverization or breaking down of the flexible material.

One object. of the present invention is to obtain a constant resilient effect without danger of pulverization or breaking down of the material forming the rolling surface and acting between the road surface and the wheel.

Another object of the invention is to limit to a predetermined extent, the downward movement of the outer wheel chamber, while retaining however the full downward movement of the inner wheel against a cushion of compressed air.

A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby the rolling surface is so anchored in position that it will not be displaced under a sudden stress brought to bear on the rolling surface.

The invention consists in an improved rolling surface for resilient wheels comprising a series of projecting studs each disposed within a conical or pyramidal tube or casing of rigid material arranged within a chamber of the outer wheel, such tube or casing itself constituting the surface to resist the radially acting force clue to the load, such an arrangement preventing heating and pulverization.

The invention also consists in a special construction of stud comprising a resilient Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 15, 1916.

Serial No. 871,890.

constricted neck portion, an air lock portion, and a non-resilient portion, the constricted neck portion being normally spaced apart from the sides of the tubular member within which it is disposed, so that when the wheel is loaded the surrounding space of the then acting stud is cut oil from atmosphere and the air imprisoned therein is compressed and forms an air cushion between the stud and the tubular member.

The invention further consists in recessing the crown of each stud and vulcanizing within the part adjacentthe crown a sock or sleeve of canvas or other inextensible fabric whereby the outer end of each stud is strengthened and its expansion under load is limited, while by the recessed crown the stud is prevented from skidding on wet or dry sandy roads and is cooled when rotating with the wheel out of contact with the road.

The invention still further consists in fitting the inner end of each stud with a metallic spring capsule which is adapted to contract when the stud is being placed in position within its seating, and when it has reached its final position to expand behind a shoulder forming part of an enlargement at the inner end of the seating, whereby the stud is anchored in position without any chance of its being dragged out by any stress which is likely to arise when the wheel is in ope 'ation.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a transverse section of one half of a wheel constructed in accordance with the invention. Fig. 2 is a view of the stud in Fig. 1 detached. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a segment of the complete wheel. Fig. f is a view similar to Fig. 1 of a modified form of stud in section. Fig. 5 is an elevation of a stud according to Fig. a detached. Figs. (3 and 7 are a plan and elevation respectively of a detail, and Fig. 8 is a modified form of conical or pyramidal seating.

In carrying the invention into effect, the

outer wheel casing comprises a circular disk at with a deep overhanging hollow rim portion I). The disk (0 on one side toward the center is formed with an inward circular depression 0 the part (Z forms a preferably flat shoulder, while the overhung rim on the opposite side leaves an opening which is adapted to be closedby means of a cover plate 0 which is toward its center provided with a circular depression the part 9 of which forms a shoulder which corresponds to the shoulder (Z. Between these shoulders there is arranged the inner or propelling wheel Surrounding the inner wheel Z: is the annular pneumatic cushion Z, the sides of which are supported by the shoulders formed respectively on the disk (6 and the cover part c, the sides preferably converging as shown toward the circumference. The periphery of the pneumatic cushion is made to assume the flattened shape as shown by a diaphragm-like plate m welded or otherwise secured to the wheel casing a and extending from side to side thereof.

The hollow rim portion of the outer casing is preferably of the shape shown and a number of openings 02 are formed in the periphery. lVithin each. opening there is disposed the outer end of a conical or pyramidal casing 0 of sheet metal or the like, the inner and smaller end of said casing being secured in an opening 7) formed in the diaphragm-like plate 722, the adjacent metal of which is conically formed or bent outwardly as shown. The conical casings 0 are secured in position by welding or otherwise. Thus there is arranged within the hollow rim of the outer casing, all around the wheel a series of radially arranged conical seatings within which correspondingly shaped studs (hereinafter described) are placed to constitute a stud rolling surface. It will be noticed by the foregoing construction a stud casing is formed which is generally conical in form with its larger end outward, while at its inner end it is provided with a constricted neck forming its smallest diameter, such neck being slightly enlarged by a reverse conical flange forming the inner end.

Any suitable means may be used to secure the cover 6 in position, but it is preferred to slightly extend the plate or and bead it as shown at 9, while at the edge of the cover 6 there is formed a flange to constitute a spring clip a taking over the head 1*. lVhen thus engaged, the parts are locked together by a wire ring 6, the free ends of which are screw-threaded with right and left hand threads to accommodate a tightening nut u.

To prevent the nut from working loose, its exterior is formed with holes o one of which will engage a spring bolt 10 carried in a small lug 011 the cover 6.

The rolling or running surface is formed of a series of preferably solid projecting studs 00. Each stud is of rubber or of simi lar silent running or resilient material and of a length preferably greater than the width and is ar-angcd er seated within the corresponding conical or pyramidal casing 0, the inner end of the stud being formed with an enlarged flange y, the base of the stud preferably being flat and resting on the pneumatic cushion as illustrated. The greater portion of the sides of the stud closely and snugly fit within the conical or pyramidal and rigid casing.

The studs are so formed that they comprise a resilient constricted neck portion a forming an air lock and a non-resilient portion 2 in which is embedded canvas band 3, while the crown is dished or recessed as at -l.

The constricted neck portion a and the surrounding surface of the corresponding opening is such that with the stud in normal position, an annular chamber 5 is formed, having communication with the atmosphere through a somewhat narr w mouth, to form which, the part of the stud approximately opposite thereto is thickened at 6, so that air will be locked in the chamber 5 when the load is applied. Owing to the above described construction of the studs, when the wheel is loaded, the inner wheel member 7a is free to move down to the full extent, whereas the outer wheel casing will only be permitted to make a limited movement owing to the outer wheel casing moving down a small amount which immediately brings the mouth of the chamber 5 and the thickened lock portion 6 into contact so that the downward movement of the outer wheel is checked, the air in the chamber 5 being cut off by the said lock from the atmosphere and compressed thus forming an air cushion. Moreover, by arranging each stud within a conical or pyramidal seating, the load is not received directly by the pneumatic cushion Z but by far the greater part thereof is received by the inwardly converging sides of the seating which at the same time progressively limit the expansion of the stud. Further, the crown portion of the stud being non-resilient is incapable of lateral expansion so that it constitutes a kind of stem incapable of deformation under load. Moreover, owing to the recessed crown, skidding on wet or dry sandy roads is prevented and a cooling effect is obtained. The air within the annular chamber 5 is practically in constantly repeated movement and serves to keep the neck cool and acts as an elastic air buffer preventing shock when the downward move ment of the outer wheel casing is checked.

In Figs. 4.- to 8, there is shown a means for firmly anchoring the studs in position. The studs are generally constructed as hereinbefore described, that is to say, the greater portion of the length of each stud is conical or pyramidal in form with the smaller end facing inward and secured upon and within such smaller end, preferably by vulcanizing, is a spring metal capsule 7 with sloping sides 8 and a central shank 9 with mushroom head 10 perforated at 11. As

shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the general contour of the capsule is square, although it may be of any other form desired, so that when the stud and capsule are fastened together, the general contour of the stud will be cylindrical or polygonal terminating in an inner end which, for example, may be square. It is to be noted that the sides 8 are discontinuous, the corners gaping open as shown at 12 in F 6 and 7, and that sucl. a construction imparts resiliency to the sides 8 for a purpose hereinaftm explained. Fun theriuore, owing to the shank 9 the mushroom head 10 and its perforations 11 the *apsule is irremovabl secured to the rubber.

The inner end of the conical or polygonal seating 0 follows the changing contour of the stud and is formed with an enlargement 13 shouldered at it and adapted to accommodate the inner end of the stud and the capsule thereon, the edges of the sides 8 gripping on the shoulders l i. The enlargement 13 is stamped or otherwise formed out of the annular diaphragnrlike member or surrounding the periphery of the pneumatic cushion.

Each of the studs is placed in position by introducing it radially from the circumference inward, the sides 8 of the capsule being gradually compressed till they pass the shoulder l i, after which they immediately spring outward by the expansion of the rubber and catch behind the shoulders 1a. In this way the stud is firmly anchored in position and is prevented from being pulled out bodily by any force applied by chance during the working of the wheel either from sudden starting or by a braking effort suddenly applied at full power and it is secured in position without any screw or other fitting. When it is necessary to remove the stud, the sides 8 of the capsule may be pinched together by any suitable implement, screwing for instance, into a bore 15 in the shank 9. When the sides 8 of the capsule are clear of the shoulders the stud may be withdrawn outward.

In order to further assist the retention of the plug in position, the seating 0 toward its inner end may be formed with a series of orifices or recesses 16, Fig. 8, into which the rubber expands and thus form a series of rivet-like grips to further prevent the pulling out of the plu Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. A sectional cushion tire for vehicles comprising in combination a rim, a circumferential series of openings in the rim having outwardly divergent walls, a circumferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging necks adapted for push-fit engagement with the walls of the said openings and snap-fastening means upon the bases of each stud adapted for passage through the openings and engageable with the walls thereof.

sectional cushion tire for vehicle wheels comprising a rim, a circumferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging necks, a circumferential series of openings in the rim having outwardly diverging load receiving walls conforming in outline to the necks of the tread studs, enlargements at the bottoms of each of the openings, and a metallic spring clip for each of the studs adapted to pass through the openings and lock into the said enlargements.

sectional cushion tire for vehicle wheels comprising a rim, a circumferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging necks and non-resilient heads, a circumferential series of openings in the rim having outwardly diverging load receiving walls conforming in outline to the necks of the tread studs, air spaces between th studs and the load receiving walls communicating with the outer atmosphere, enlargements at the bottoms of each of the openings, and a metallic spring cli for each of the stiuls adapted to pass through the openings and lock into the said enlargements.

A sectional cushion tire for vehicles comprising a rim, a circumferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging necks and non-resilient heads having recesses therein, a circumferential series of openii in the rim having outwardly diverging load receiving walls conforming in outline to the necks of the tread studs and against which the necks bear, air spaces between the studs and the load receiving walls communicating with the outer atmosphere, and fastening means at the bases of each of the studs.

5. A sectional cushion tire for vehicle wheels comprising a rim, a circumferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging necks, a circumferential series of openings in the rim having outwardly diverging ioad receiving walls conforming in outline to the necks of the tread studs, enlargements at the bottoms of each of the openings, a metallic spring clip for each of the studs adapted to pass through the openings and lock into the said enlargements, said clips having anchorages extending into the necks of the studs.

6. ii sectional cushion tire for vehicle wheels comprising a rim, a circumferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging necks each of frusto-conical formation merging into a square at the base, a circumferential series of openings in the rim having outwardly diverging load receiving walls conforming in outline to the necks of the tread studs, enlargements at the bottoms of each of the openings, a metallic spring clip for each of the studs adapted to pass through the openings and lock into the said enlargements, the spring clips being square.

7. A sectional cushion tire for vehicle wheels comprising a rim, a circumferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging necks, a circumferential series of openings in the rim having outwardly diverging load receiving walls conforming in outline to the necks of the tread studs, enlargements at the bottoms of each of the openings, a metallic spring clip for each of the studs adapted to pass through the openings and lock into the said enlargements, said clips having anchorages extending into the necks of the studs, the anchorages for the studs comprising a mushroom head secured to the clips.

8. A sectional cushion tire for vehicles comprising a rim, a circumferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging necks, a circumferential series of openings in the rim having outwardly diverging load receiving walls conforming in outline to the necks of the tread studs, enlargements at the bottoms of each of the openings, a metallic spring clip for each of the studs adapted to pass through the openings and lock into the said enlargements, said clips having anchorages extending into the necks of the studs, the anchorages for the studs comprising a mushroom head secured to the clips, and hollow screw-tlneaded stems for the anchorages.

9. A sectional cushion tire for vehicles comprising a rim, a circumferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging conforming in outline to the necks of the tread studs, air spaces between the studs and the load receiving 'walls communicating with the outer atmosphere, enlargements at the bottoms of each of the openings, and tas-j toning means for the studs accessible from the inner portion of the rim.

10. A sectional cushion tire for vehicles comprising a circun'iferential series of tread studs having inwardly converging necks each of frusto-Conical formation merging into a square at the base, and non-resilient heads having recesses therein, a circumferential series of openings in the rim having outwardly divergent load receiving walls conforming in outline to the necks of the tread studs, air spaces between the studs and the load receiving walls connnunicating with the outer atmosphere, enlargements at the bottom of each of the openings, a me tallic spring clip for each of the studs adapted to pass through the openings and lock into the said enlargements, the spring clips being square, the anchoragesv for the studs comprising a mushroom head s'ecure'd to the clips and hollow screw-threaded stems for the anchorages.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JACOBUS SPYKER.

Witnesses EUGENE NABEL, J. ScHoUrnN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents.

v Washington, D. G. 

